PARLIAMENTARY.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XI, Issue 161, 29 June 1876, Page 2

PARLIAMENTARY.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. "Wkllington, Wednesday. The business of the Legislative Council was unimportant. It was announced in lhe Legi dative Council that Captain Walker had been appointed permanently State Forests Officer. HOUSE OE REPRESENTATIVES. Wellington, Wednesday. Tbe House met at 2.30 p.m. Mr Wakefield ..gave notice to move that the General Government take over the control of all railwt ys throughout the colony as soon as possible. Tbe -Address' in Reply was moved by Sir R. Douglas, who briefly touched apon the various subjects referred to in the address. He paid a high compliment to the Native Minister for, his tact and ability in preserving the peace of the country. Mr Bastings, who seconded, took tbe opportunity of declaring that he came to that House _ expressly to support abolition. He spoke with considerable warmth of the shortcomings of th. Otago Provincial Government, which locked up the land., and allowed sixty thousand stalwart men with money in their pocketß to leave the country. Mr Manders spoke of the omissions in the Speech. He asked; why the eminent services of Sir J. Yogel to the colony while in Europe were not mentioned, and why p. y ment of .members and gold-fields administration were hoc touched on, as both subjects must be opened. up for discussion this se«Bion. The Address in Reply was agreed to without a dissentient voice. Mr Rees moved for a select committee to enquire into and report as to whether Mr Whita^er was qualified to sit in the House in consequence of his connection with the Piako Bale. The Premier opposed it as unadviaable, unless the House was prepared to indemnify him. Let those who thought he eat there illegally take such action a3 tbey thought fit ; they had their, remedy. Sevejral members taking the same side as the Premier, the motion was negatived on the voices. Mr ,o'Rorke was unanimously appointed Ch-ii'man of Committee., ou the motion of the Premier, sec.nded by Sir George Grey. Mr 'Burns moved That the Government call fqr tenders for the construction of all their railway stock in the colony, and such other railway appliances as could be manufactured -here. Motion agreed to. Returns of all Savings Banks (not Post Office ' Savings Banks) in the Colony, and also of all educational reserves, stating acreage and locality, were ordered. £b<? House rose at 5.30.

Thursday. The House* resumed at 7-30, when the adjourned debate on tho Public Accounts Committee 'ook place. Mr Stout said he did not want to serve on the Committee, but wanted Mr Rees on instead.. Sir George Grey wanted the Committee increased from 14 to 15, but this was opposed by the Government, and a long, sharp, aud in some respects personal, debate ensued. Mr Reader Wood warmly supported Mr Rees, and considered it an insult to Auckland if he was not put m the Committee. A division was taken, aud the motion lost by 41 to 29. Mr De Latour then moved that Mr Reynol !s be struck off so that Mr Rees be out on. Ho said it was a real sh-ttne that the Government objected to his, being on the Committee. It was ao insult to Auckland and discreditab c to the House to do so. Mr Reader Wood followed, saying that Mr Rees was as fit to be on the Committee as he was, and it looked as if the Premier was afraid to allow Mr Rees to examine the accounts. Mr Rees spoke with vehemenre against the action of the Government. He said their opposition to him would excice the indignation, not only of New Zealand, but of the other colonic -t and home. Mr Macandrew condemned the high handed action of the Government Mr Swanson wanted to know why the Government was not better represented on the Committee. Mr Moorhouse defended the action of the Government, as Mr Rees was unfit to be on the Committee on account of his financial ignorance, and offensive declaimtory style. Mr Hamlin considered the Government had acted tyrannic .lly. Mr Ptarce supported the Government, also Mr Tribe. Mr Shrimski said Mr Rees ought to have a seat on the Committee Several other members spoke for. and against the motion, and Sir J. Yogel replied at some "length, not blaming Mr Rjes, but the indiscretion of his friends in trying to force him upon t»ie House. The result was that Mr Rees was rejected on the voices, and the Houae adjourned at 1-40 am.